New HSV E3 pumps up the technology

There's no more power from their V8 engines, but the new HSV E3 range brings more technology and fresh interiors.

13 September 2010Toby Hagon

2011 Holden HSV E3 range. Photo:

2011 Holden HSV E3 range. Photo:

2011 Holden HSV E3 range. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

The HSV E3 Grange will include touchscreen technology. Photo:

HSV has tweaked its muscle car range with a new E3 model that brings more technology and mild styling revisions.

The new HSV E3 - the third generation of the VE Commodore-based E-Series - boasts exterior styling changes and a freshened interior.

The new interior gets HSV's Enhanced Driver Interface, or EDI, which uses a touchscreen display and advanced race car-like data logging to give the driver more information about everything from fuel consumption and the G-forces acting on the car, to performance data and even how much the car is (or isn't) sliding.

The new HSV EDI also has a stopwatch and lap timing function that includes data on tracks such as Bathurst's Mount Panorama, Phillip Island and Winton. Owners can also input their own lap data in conjunction with the satellite-navigation system.

Once captured, up to an hour's worth of data can be downloaded via a USB stick (through a connection in the glovebox) for use on a PC with a customised program that comes with the car.

Developed by MoTec, the EDI has data logging features similar to some of the systems used in V8 Supercars.

The new EDI is housed in the central control screen, which is now surrounded by shiny black plastic and has the model name of the car housed in it.

It's part of a new, cleaner, more upmarket centre console that blends with the largely untouched interior of the VE Commodore.

The HSV technology push also includes an optional blind spot warning system, which HSV calls SBZA, or Side Blind Zone Alert.

HSV managing director Phil Harding says the new HSV E3 range is all about taking the performance car brand to the next level and helping it better compete with European opposition.

"Our E3 range is an example of HSV's passion for innovation, and determination to bring world leading technology to vehicles," he said. "More and more of our customers are showing greater interest in new technology, and have expressed a desire for unique points of difference in their vehicles.

"You only have to look at EDI, LPI [liquid propane injection], and SBZA to know HSV is passionate about creating and building great all-round performance cars. The combination of new technologies, stylish interior improvements, and a continued focus on all-round performance further strengthens HSV's position as the ultimate in Australian-made performance cars."

Key to the changes is a new rear spoiler that gives the car a fresh look and is said to improve rear vision. There's also a new exhaust tip that better integrates with the rear bumper.

HSV won't initially offer its E3 range with a value-leading GXP (or replacement for it), instead hinting another one may be in the pipeline.

"I can't say whether we will or won't do something in future," says HSV marketing and communications manager Tim Jackson. "We said we knew from [the GXP] exercise we would learn a lot and we have learnt a lot.

"If the opportunity arises and it makes sense for us to do something ... we've learnt a lot about what the right vehicle is."

Only the HSV Grange gets more power, adopting the 325kW version of the same engine once reserved for the flagship GTS.

The entry-level ClubSport R8 sedan and wagon and Maloo R8 ute stick with the 317kW version of the Chevrolet Corvette-sourced 6.2-litre V8. The more luxurious Senator Signature also gets the 317kW engine.

However, all HSV sedans are now available with an LPG kit that HSV refers to as LPI, or liquid propane injection. Adding $5990 to the price (before a $2000 government rebate) the HSV LPI kit is said to pay itself off within three years due to cost savings by using LPG.

The system is a dual-fuel set-up, which allows the car to run on petrol at higher revs and when on full throttle to ensure there is no reduction in performance. The new HSV LPI engine can also drive for up to 1100km before needing refueling, although the boot is smaller due to the addition of the LPG gas tank.

Unlike partner Holden with its just updated Commodore VE Series 2, HSV has not made its engines E85 capable (able to run on a blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol).

As well as the revisions and additional features, the new HSV range is available in some new colours, including the bright yellow - known as Hazard - that's the hero for the lineup.

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